Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged political leaders and supporters in Rivers State to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, declaring that he wants to hear only the president’s name in the state.
Wike made the statement during a meeting in Port Harcourt with supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and youth leaders aligned with the governor.
The minister argued that strong political support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition could help Rivers State secure greater federal attention, strategic political appointments and improved infrastructure, The News Edition reports.
According to Wike, closer cooperation with the Federal Government would strengthen Rivers State’s political influence and position it to benefit from opportunities at the national level.
Wike Links Tinubu’s Re-Election to Rivers State’s Political Gains
The former Rivers State governor urged political loyalists, youth groups and community leaders to set aside past disagreements and unite behind Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He maintained that the number of votes a state delivers to a presidential candidate could influence its political bargaining power and access to important positions.
Wike said: “Politics is about figuring out where the state stands to gain the most power. Tinubu is the only thing I wish to hear in this state.
“If we continue to act the way we are now, and if we are among the first three states to receive the most votes, we will get more of these positions.”
His remarks suggest that Wike wants Rivers State political stakeholders to prioritise Tinubu’s re-election campaign as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s relationship with the Federal Government.
Wike Calls for Unity Among Rivers Political Leaders
Wike also called on political supporters to put previous disagreements behind them and work towards a common political objective.
His appeal comes amid efforts to improve relations between rival political camps in Rivers State, particularly those associated with the minister and Governor Fubara.
The meeting with Fubara-aligned supporters and youth leaders could form part of broader efforts to consolidate political support ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the extent to which the appeal will translate into unified support across Rivers State remains to be seen.
Rivers State and the 2027 Presidential Election
Rivers State remains politically significant because of its strategic position in the Niger Delta and its potential influence in national elections.
Wike’s latest comments highlight the importance he places on delivering substantial electoral support for Tinubu in 2027.
By urging political stakeholders to rally behind the president, the FCT minister is seeking to make support for Tinubu a central priority in Rivers State’s political calculations ahead of the next presidential election.